Chicago officials have clarified that salt trucks seen in the city over the weekend were not deployed as barriers against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities, despite widespread social media claims to the contrary.
As winter approaches, these salt trucks are typically used to combat icy road conditions, yet their appearance this weekend sparked rumors tied to fears of heightened immigration enforcement in the city.
With President Donald Trump suggesting that Chicago might be a target for increased federal law enforcement and even hinting at the deployment of the National Guard, residents and activists voiced their concerns about potential crackdowns on immigrants.
In response to these fears, thousands gathered on Saturday to protest against ICE operations and any National Guard presence in Chicago.
During the same weekend, a traditionally well-attended Mexican Independence Day celebration took place in Pilsen, but attendance was reportedly lower than in previous years amid the tense atmosphere.
Chicago’s Department of Streets and Sanitation issued a statement indicating that the salt trucks were present to support public safety during a planned protest as well as the Taste of Chicago event, characterizing this deployment as a routine municipal practice.
An aide to Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker reported that while they have been monitoring situations involving federal law enforcement throughout the weekend, there has been no significant indication that a surge in immigration enforcement has commenced in Chicago.
As of Monday morning, there had been no direct communication or coordination from the White House to the governor’s office, according to Pritzker’s aide.
Nonetheless, Pritzker mentioned that the Illinois State Police had received a warning from Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino about possible federal operations occurring “sometime in the coming week.”
Governor Pritzker’s administration aims to ensure transparency to alleviate any surprise associated with potential federal activities, emphasizing the seriousness with which they are taking Trump’s threats.
On social media, President Donald Trump posted an image that appeared to be AI-generated, portraying himself in front of the Chicago skyline alongside military imagery and ominous phrases, such as “Chipocalypse Now.”
His post suggested possible troop deployments and deportations, echoing his earlier statements regarding enhanced law enforcement in Chicago.
In an alarming tone, Trump wrote, “‘I love the smell of deportations in the morning…’ Chicago about to find out why it’s called the Department of WAR,” referencing the Vietnam War film “Apocalypse Now,” and hinting at a recent executive order aimed at rebranding the Defense Department.
This post elicited strong backlash from Illinois Democratic leaders, including Governor Pritzker, who condemned Trump’s remarks as uncompromising and unacceptable.
Pritzker stated, “The President of the United States is threatening to go to war with an American city. This is not a joke. This is not normal. Donald Trump isn’t a strongman, he’s a scared man. Illinois won’t be intimidated by a wannabe dictator.”
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson echoed Pritzker’s sentiments, asserting that Trump’s rhetoric undermines the integrity of the nation and emphasizes a desire to dominate and dismantle constitutional rights in Chicago.
Johnson said, “The President’s threats are beneath the honor of our nation, but the reality is that he wants to occupy our city and break our Constitution. We must defend our democracy from this authoritarianism by protecting each other and protecting Chicago from Donald Trump.”
On Sunday, Trump attempted to downplay his previous comments, stating, “We’re not going to war. We’re going to clean up our cities. We’re going to clean them up so they don’t kill five people every weekend. That’s not war. That’s common sense.”
Amid these political tensions, Democratic officials have remained vocal against Trump’s proposed increases in federal law enforcement presence, framing them as unnecessary and punitive responses to complex urban issues.
While Chicago continues to grapple with these challenges, the city’s response reflects an ongoing commitment to community engagement and safety, emphasizing resilience amidst uncertainty.
image source from：nbcnews
